Iīm kind of proud of myself when looking back at my first Mustachian year (it was not a complete year, I started reading the blog in June I guess). However, I have made some changes since then and I must share them with other Mustachians :-)
- I cancelled our cleaning lady (saves 100/month)
- cancelled our window cleaning service (saves 60/4 months)
- stopped using the dryer (except for towels bcs of very hard water)
- started wasching clothes with lower temperatures
- started using saving programm for the dishwasher
- switched to a free internet provider for our mobiles (both my husband and me), now we have 100MB/month free which is enough as we have wi-fi at work and at home, it is connected with a prepaid card - total costs for both of us max. 5/month (rather 3-4)
- stopped using an additional fridge, it was used only for drinks, now we switch it on only when expecting guests
- always check that there is no light on in the rooms we are not using at the moment
- cancelled some magazins abonements (still 4 to go)
- started using my bike for shopping groceries (not always bcs I like to buy a lot once a week, but if I forget something or need just a few things, I bike)
- shortened showering times
- cut and color my hair, cut my sonīs hair, my husband also cuts his hair, but thatīs nothing new
- organised a low cost birthday party for my son
- didnīt buy any new clothes and shoes (except for one hoodie on sale for 7,90 that I really needed)
- started to cook more
- started to track our spendings (in December, but started in January again bcs there were many additional costs in December and we were also 1 week on vacation)
- prepared meals for travelling/vacation - we did not buy anything on the way and we cooked every evening together with my family
- started planning meals one week ahead - also for my husbandīs lunches
- my husband started taking his lunch to work
- approx. 45% saving rate/month
- decluttered the basement and sold many old things (toys, clothes, my old iphone...)
- put 1500 every month to our saving account
further plans:
- track our spendings - make a food budget (I have no idea at the moment how much we spend, I estimate 400-500/month - 2 adults+1kid
- reduce trash - we have to pay for a trash bin based on its size - want to reduce the size from 120l to 80l/2weeks - should save 90/year
- switch newspapers to e-papers (possible for 2 out of 4, depends on my husband, I would do that immediatelly)
- track our energy costs, possibly change the provider
- change the light bulbs (LED in rooms which are used very often - kitched, bathroom...)
- use anti-limescale washing powder - no need to use the dryer anymore for towels, reduces the amount of the washing powder, saves energy
- explain my husband he can wear his shirts two days (office work) - 50% less ironing for me and also less clothes for washing
Added: - gym membership: I don't want to cancel it, but I need a flexibel one, looks like it should be possible to switch to a membership that can be cancelled every time, e.g. I don't need it from June to August, i never go there so why should I pay? In September I will come back.
I will add some more when I have new ideas
Feel free to mke suggestions/criticise... Thanks:-)
Overall, Iīm happy with my first yearsīs results